How to Choose the Best Coffee Machines

There's a model to meet every need regardless of whether you're looking to buy an espresso maker or a coffee pod brewer. Prices start around PS50.

These brewers use pre-measured pods that provide convenience with consistency, as well as hands-off ease of use. They also score highly in our Lab tests.

Manual

For those who like to take full control of the process using a manual machine is the best option. They allow you to manually control a mechanical piston operation, which produces a precise amount of pressure and extraction. This type of coffee machine requires a bit more expertise and experience to operate than other types however, many people who drink coffee say it's worth the effort.

These manual coffee makers are generally constructed from top-quality materials and can last for many years without a major maintenance requirement. They also come with a variety of accessories, such as a portafilter and filter along with measuring cup, tamper, and funnel. They can be used to make cappuccinos and other drinks made with ground or pod coffee. Some manual coffee machines come with traditional steam arms for milk-based drinks, while others feature a nozzle that disperses water over the grounds.

Most manual coffee machines heat the water in a separate kettle, and then pour it over the grounds within the chamber for brewing. The user then raises or depresses the lever or hand to activate a piston that forces the hot water through the grounds before it is poured into the cup below. This type of coffee machine isn't as precise or precise in its temperature control as fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, so you may have to experiment with various methods to discover the best espresso taste.

Some manual coffee machines were made to be used at home. However they are mostly used in hospitality businesses like hotels, restaurants, breakfast and bed and breakfast establishments. They are small and efficient, and take up little counter space. They are also cheaper than other kinds of machines and can easily be repaired or replaced.

These machines are typically made out of tough materials like brass and chrome. Some are handmade and can add a touch elegance to your kitchen design. Additionally, they are often very easy to clean. Some are available in a range of colors that can be matched to the aesthetics of any kitchen. They are more user-friendly than a fully automated or semi-automatic coffee maker, and they can make delicious coffee.

Semiautomatic

For the coffee lover who doesn't wish to be in total control of all variables involved in making a perfect shot, semi-automatic machines are an ideal compromise. They begin to take on some of the tasks involved in making an espresso, including steaming milk and pre-infusion. You'll still be able to alter the drinks to meet your preferences.

Breville is an established brand that is renowned for its vast selection of kitchen appliances. It makes one of the top semi-automatic coffee makers available. The Infuser is an extremely versatile model that allows you to make cappuccino, lattes and espresso at the push of a single button. It also automatically dispensates the appropriate amount of water for each drink, and its built-in burr grinder automatically adjusts the size of the grind to accommodate various extraction levels and beans. The Infuser's slim, sleek design and easy-to-use controls makes it a great option for people with limited counter space.

The Dedica espresso machine is a top-rated model by Breville. The 15 bar pump can make a fantastic espresso shot. Its commercial construction will last for a long time. The Dedica comes with a removable milk tank and the frothing tool, which can be used to make lattes or cappuccinos.

For a semiautomatic machine that offers even more hands-off convenience look no further than an ultra-automatic. These machines go one step beyond standard automatics by offering programmable coffee sizes, and automatically grinding beans, and often measuring and tamping them for you. These machines ranked the highest in our Lab Tests for their complete features and user-friendliness.

The Philips Dinamica is a super-automatic machine capable of doing everything. It comes with a large touchscreen that lets you choose 16 different drinks including latte, cappuccino, and black fresh coffee maker. It automatically grinds whole beans to match the drink you choose and can save your preferred settings so that you can skip the menu of choices completely. Its high-tech features include a removable water tank with a built-in hardness tester as well as an AquaClean filter that helps reduce the build-up of scale and ensures that your machine always produces the highest quality cup of coffee.

Fully automatic

A fully automated machine can make an incredibly smooth and rich cup of coffee at the push of one button. This is a great choice for busy homes or offices since it can brew both espresso and filter coffee. Many also feature automatic milk frothing, letting you enjoy cafe-style coffees like cappuccino and latte. Some models can even be programmed which allows you to set your preferred drink ahead of time. These machines are ideal for anyone who needs to work at multiple times, since they allow you to work while coffee is being made.

These machines are popular in coffee shops that are commercial as they can brew several different beverages simultaneously. However, they are typically more expensive than semi-automatic counterparts. However, the convenience provided by a fully automated coffee maker could be worth the extra expense for a few people.

The Mcilpoog WS203 Super-Automatic Espresso Machine and Coffee Maker is a top, highly configurable coffee machine that provides the quality of the best cafes at home. It's easy to use, and comes with touchscreen display that makes making coffee as easy as three steps. It comes with a steel burr grinder that can be adjusted and programmable settings so you can tailor your coffee to meet your needs.

De'Longhi ECAM35020W Dinamica Automatic Coffee and Espresso Machine is another excellent option for busy households. This coffee machine has a fast heating time and comes with a milk frother as well as an adjustable burr mill for making espresso and coffee-based drinks. It can also produce various coffees such as filter coffee and iced.

This is a low-cost and versatile Nespresso compatible machine that's ideal for a modern, well-equipped house. It comes with a huge 1.7L tank and a coffee box capacity. It also comes with an efficient, quiet heating system to ensure the perfect cup of coffee at all times. It's also very easy to use and comes with profiles for users that automatically prioritize your favourite drinks, making them just a tap away.

Super-automatic

A step above semi-automatic machines these models grind, dose, pull your shot, and then make your milk frothy at the touch of a button. These machines are ideal for coffee drinkers who wish to drink a variety of drinks at once and appreciate the convenience.

A good example is the Gaggia Velasca Prestige which combines the highest-quality brewing equipment with an automatic milk frothing mechanism to create the perfect cappuccino, lattes or macchiato. The machine's programmability allows you to tailor it to your specific requirements and save your settings for next time. A bypass doser is common to these machines that allow you to use pre-ground coffee instead of the beans that are stored in the bean hopper, which is a great feature for guests or when you want to switch to a different variety of beans.

DeLonghi's Magnifica Evo fully automatic machine is also a top choice because of its versatility and ease-of-use. It comes with seven recipe options with easy-to-read color icons, from Espresso to Latte Macchiato. It can also save six user profiles so that each can enjoy their preferred drink brewed with the push of one button. The machine also has a ceramic burr grinder, which is the ideal option for durability and performance.

Another model made in Switzerland to think about is the Jura ENA 4. It has sleek and minimal design, a large bean box and water tank capacity which makes it perfect for commercial use. It has a highly efficient brewing system and the incredible Aroma G3 grinder. This makes the best espresso and coffee you'll ever have.

The Philips 3200 LatteGo has a smaller design than the other super-automatic coffee machines (see this page) on this list, yet can provide a top-quality cup of coffee. This machine is rated to produce up to 5000 cups before it needs to be descaled, which is perfect for busy homes. It also includes a built-in burr grinder with 13 settings to allow plenty of room for personalization.